Underage Vaping Ban Proposed In New Jersey

MORRIS, NJ — Two lawmakers from Morris County have introduced legislation that would make underage tobacco possession, including possession of vapes, illegal in New Jersey.

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco's new bill would prohibit possession of all tobacco products by anyone under the age of 21, similarly to alcohol. New Jersey law already bans the sale of tobacco products to those under 21.

DeCroce said the bill was an attempt to curb the growing vaping epidemic, which is a particular problem among teens.

"We need to do more to protect our youth from the harmful effects of nicotine products like e-cigarettes and vapes," said DeCroce. "The popularity of electronic smoking devices among our youth is growing at an alarming rate. We need to send a stronger message to young people about the dangers of vaping."

Under the new law, underage people caught with tobacco products would be subject to a fine as a petty disorderly person's offense.

Two New Jersey towns have taken similar steps to address underage tobacco consumption. Evesham Township established a tobacco possession ban for anyone under the age of 18 last year, while Morris Township is currently debating an ordinance that would ban possession for anyone under 21.

Vaping has skyrocketed in popularity with teenagers in recent years, with 16 percent of all high school seniors saying they vape. Vaping increases the chance of turning to traditional cigarettes: 30 percent of teens who vape will start smoking cigarettes within six months, the National Institute on Drug Abuse says.

About two-thirds of teens who vape think their vapes are full of just flavoring; While there are nicotine free vapes, most tend to contain more nicotine than traditional cigarettes. One Juul pod, the most popular type of vape, contains 20 cigarettes worth of nicotine. They can also be used to vape marijuana.